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 Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:28 pm
I was wondering anyone who lives in America (like me) knows how big Christmas is here. So I was wondering is Christmas a big Holiday around the world to? So I looked up a few countries. But for Japan I found mixed answers some people, were saying Christmas. Is a celebrated in Japan like America but other people were saying, no its not its just basically like Valentines day. So what is the truth?
BTW I looked this up on Yahoo Answers!
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 6:04 pm
i think that it is even better than christmas here. i did a report on it a couple years ago and there were a lot of amazing things that i read about. nightmare before christmas is a big hit then as well on christmas
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:21 pm
Since Christianity is a fairly minority religion in Japan, the holiday isn't really observed the way we know it here; however, the more visible components unrelated to the religious origins -- the decorations and the present-giving, Santa Claus and such -- are becoming increasingly popular with the younger generations.
Japan has as almost as much obsession over American culture as America has over Japanese culture.
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:18 pm
Coda Highland Since Christianity is a fairly minority religion in Japan, the holiday isn't really observed the way we know it here; however, the more visible components unrelated to the religious origins -- the decorations and the present-giving, Santa Claus and such -- are becoming increasingly popular with the younger generations. Japan has as almost as much obsession over American culture as America has over Japanese culture. One of the most perplexing things about Japanese Christmas is that one of the busiest places around that time of year...is KFC. Lines and lines of people wait outside them every year to buy a meal from there, from what I've heard in my studies.
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Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:16 pm
So then it is a big holiday in Japan to?
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Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:35 pm
King-Dartz So then it is a big holiday in Japan to? It's "big" as far as most people know about it and people and businesses put up decorations, but it's not a national holiday and (unless I'm mistaken, and I might be) I don't think most businesses close. It's almost entirely a commercial thing -- people party and exchange gifts but it's not as rich with tradition as it is in the western world.
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Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:47 pm
Okay, speaking from someone that actually experienced it first hand....
Christmas isn't really religious by any means over here (unless you are part of the 1% of the population that is Christian). It is second only to Valentine's Day (not so much White Day) for romance, and a LOT of couples go out and do things and date on Christmas Eve/Day. If you aren't dating, it is a good excuse to go out with friends and bask in the nice Christmas atmosphere that is spread all around during this time. Christmas has really been merged with New Years, which has been traditionally the most important holiday around this time of year primarily because Christmas is very close to the start of New Years. I also think that since Christmas is sort of a holiday that can be celebrated with friends/lovers/even family, it fits perfectly with New Years.
Background on Christianity and Japan:
Christianity was brought to Japan by Francis Xavier in the 1500s in Japan. As with religion around the world, once the people start learning and worshiping it, it has a powerful effect on the government in the region. The Shogun was afraid of the spread of Christianity (along with foreign ideas being introduced into Japan) taking control of the Japanese people and his empire, so he closed the country to foreigners (except a small man-made island off Kyushu) and banned Christianity in the 1630s. In what is now present day Nagasaki, there was a massive crucifixion of around 10000 (maybe more, maybe less, but I don't remember the exact number) of people that were Christians because they wouldn't adapt to the Shogun's request. But, several secret communities existed until the mid-1800s when Japan was opened back up to the west, and after the 1880s, Christianity was officially unbanned.
Side note: Contrary to popular historical summaries saying Japan was closed to the world, Japan was only primarily restricted to the WEST. It had decently normal relations with China, Korea and the Ryukyus (would later be part of Okinawa as a whole later).
To answer questions:
Q. Is it a big holiday in Japan too?
A. Mainly it is commercial, almost as commercial as in the US, except the concept of the Christmas Tree isn't practiced much. Also, gift giving is common and it is interesting to note that there's a kind of traditional gift giving period around the end of the year that is supposed to thank people that have helped you out through the year that somehow made the most sense to the Japanese when they imported Christmas. Gift giving between friends/lovers/family is moderately common.
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Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 6:48 pm
IdiotbyDefault Okay, speaking from someone that actually experienced it first hand.... Christmas isn't really religious by any means over here (unless you are part of the 1% of the population that is Christian). It is second only to Valentine's Day (not so much White Day) for romance, and a LOT of couples go out and do things and date on Christmas Eve/Day. If you aren't dating, it is a good excuse to go out with friends and bask in the nice Christmas atmosphere that is spread all around during this time. Christmas has really been merged with New Years, which has been traditionally the most important holiday around this time of year primarily because Christmas is very close to the start of New Years. I also think that since Christmas is sort of a holiday that can be celebrated with friends/lovers/even family, it fits perfectly with New Years. Background on Christianity and Japan: Christianity was brought to Japan by Francis Xavier in the 1500s in Japan. As with religion around the world, once the people start learning and worshiping it, it has a powerful effect on the government in the region. The Shogun was afraid of the spread of Christianity (along with foreign ideas being introduced into Japan) taking control of the Japanese people and his empire, so he closed the country to foreigners (except a small man-made island off Kyushu) and banned Christianity in the 1630s. In what is now present day Nagasaki, there was a massive crucifixion of around 10000 (maybe more, maybe less, but I don't remember the exact number) of people that were Christians because they wouldn't adapt to the Shogun's request. But, several secret communities existed until the mid-1800s when Japan was opened back up to the west, and after the 1880s, Christianity was officially unbanned. Side note: Contrary to popular historical summaries saying Japan was closed to the world, Japan was only primarily restricted to the WEST. It had decently normal relations with China, Korea and the Ryukyus (would later be part of Okinawa as a whole later). To answer questions: Q. Is it a big holiday in Japan too? A. Mainly it is commercial, almost as commercial as in the US, except the concept of the Christmas Tree isn't practiced much. Also, gift giving is common and it is interesting to note that there's a kind of traditional gift giving period around the end of the year that is supposed to thank people that have helped you out through the year that somehow made the most sense to the Japanese when they imported Christmas. Gift giving between friends/lovers/family is moderately common. Thank You for this detailed answer. You know alot about this, do you live in Japan?
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Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 7:03 pm
Wooow, that's interesting! XD
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Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 6:45 pm
King-Dartz IdiotbyDefault Okay, speaking from someone that actually experienced it first hand.... Christmas isn't really religious by any means over here (unless you are part of the 1% of the population that is Christian). It is second only to Valentine's Day (not so much White Day) for romance, and a LOT of couples go out and do things and date on Christmas Eve/Day. If you aren't dating, it is a good excuse to go out with friends and bask in the nice Christmas atmosphere that is spread all around during this time. Christmas has really been merged with New Years, which has been traditionally the most important holiday around this time of year primarily because Christmas is very close to the start of New Years. I also think that since Christmas is sort of a holiday that can be celebrated with friends/lovers/even family, it fits perfectly with New Years. Background on Christianity and Japan: Christianity was brought to Japan by Francis Xavier in the 1500s in Japan. As with religion around the world, once the people start learning and worshiping it, it has a powerful effect on the government in the region. The Shogun was afraid of the spread of Christianity (along with foreign ideas being introduced into Japan) taking control of the Japanese people and his empire, so he closed the country to foreigners (except a small man-made island off Kyushu) and banned Christianity in the 1630s. In what is now present day Nagasaki, there was a massive crucifixion of around 10000 (maybe more, maybe less, but I don't remember the exact number) of people that were Christians because they wouldn't adapt to the Shogun's request. But, several secret communities existed until the mid-1800s when Japan was opened back up to the west, and after the 1880s, Christianity was officially unbanned. Side note: Contrary to popular historical summaries saying Japan was closed to the world, Japan was only primarily restricted to the WEST. It had decently normal relations with China, Korea and the Ryukyus (would later be part of Okinawa as a whole later). To answer questions: Q. Is it a big holiday in Japan too? A. Mainly it is commercial, almost as commercial as in the US, except the concept of the Christmas Tree isn't practiced much. Also, gift giving is common and it is interesting to note that there's a kind of traditional gift giving period around the end of the year that is supposed to thank people that have helped you out through the year that somehow made the most sense to the Japanese when they imported Christmas. Gift giving between friends/lovers/family is moderately common. Thank You for this detailed answer. You know alot about this, do you live in Japan? I studied abroad for a year in Japan and experienced the winter holidays firsthand. Although, I probably should have said gift giving is more common with friends/lovers than with the family, though families might go out and do something or eat Christmas Cake (which is another commercial tradition [like White Day] that some people do).
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Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:46 am
yeah how's christmas in japan with all its sights and sounds the people?
just wonderin but i bet its cool
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Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 4:23 am
IdiotbyDefault King-Dartz IdiotbyDefault Okay, speaking from someone that actually experienced it first hand.... Christmas isn't really religious by any means over here (unless you are part of the 1% of the population that is Christian). It is second only to Valentine's Day (not so much White Day) for romance, and a LOT of couples go out and do things and date on Christmas Eve/Day. If you aren't dating, it is a good excuse to go out with friends and bask in the nice Christmas atmosphere that is spread all around during this time. Christmas has really been merged with New Years, which has been traditionally the most important holiday around this time of year primarily because Christmas is very close to the start of New Years. I also think that since Christmas is sort of a holiday that can be celebrated with friends/lovers/even family, it fits perfectly with New Years. Background on Christianity and Japan: Christianity was brought to Japan by Francis Xavier in the 1500s in Japan. As with religion around the world, once the people start learning and worshiping it, it has a powerful effect on the government in the region. The Shogun was afraid of the spread of Christianity (along with foreign ideas being introduced into Japan) taking control of the Japanese people and his empire, so he closed the country to foreigners (except a small man-made island off Kyushu) and banned Christianity in the 1630s. In what is now present day Nagasaki, there was a massive crucifixion of around 10000 (maybe more, maybe less, but I don't remember the exact number) of people that were Christians because they wouldn't adapt to the Shogun's request. But, several secret communities existed until the mid-1800s when Japan was opened back up to the west, and after the 1880s, Christianity was officially unbanned. Side note: Contrary to popular historical summaries saying Japan was closed to the world, Japan was only primarily restricted to the WEST. It had decently normal relations with China, Korea and the Ryukyus (would later be part of Okinawa as a whole later). To answer questions: Q. Is it a big holiday in Japan too? A. Mainly it is commercial, almost as commercial as in the US, except the concept of the Christmas Tree isn't practiced much. Also, gift giving is common and it is interesting to note that there's a kind of traditional gift giving period around the end of the year that is supposed to thank people that have helped you out through the year that somehow made the most sense to the Japanese when they imported Christmas. Gift giving between friends/lovers/family is moderately common. Thank You for this detailed answer. You know alot about this, do you live in Japan? I studied abroad for a year in Japan and experienced the winter holidays firsthand. Although, I probably should have said gift giving is more common with friends/lovers than with the family, though families might go out and do something or eat Christmas Cake (which is another commercial tradition [like White Day] that some people do). I agree to everything you wrote. I experienced it first hand as well, since I spent my abroad studies in Japan last winter. And my personal opinion about the japanese christmas decoration: They just overdo it... @_@ I found it terrible. The lighting was terribly hysterical, blinking and noisy to my eyes, so I couldn't find something like "christmas atmosphere". Ok, I'm from germany and here on christmas everything is much calmer and so on. Well, it's commercial to a certain extend in germany as well, but in Japan... They just overdo it, I think. I didn't like it. And I was happy when christmal finally was over. (and usually I just LOVE christmastime...)
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Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:46 am
IdiotbyDefault King-Dartz IdiotbyDefault Okay, speaking from someone that actually experienced it first hand.... Christmas isn't really religious by any means over here (unless you are part of the 1% of the population that is Christian). It is second only to Valentine's Day (not so much White Day) for romance, and a LOT of couples go out and do things and date on Christmas Eve/Day. If you aren't dating, it is a good excuse to go out with friends and bask in the nice Christmas atmosphere that is spread all around during this time. Christmas has really been merged with New Years, which has been traditionally the most important holiday around this time of year primarily because Christmas is very close to the start of New Years. I also think that since Christmas is sort of a holiday that can be celebrated with friends/lovers/even family, it fits perfectly with New Years. Background on Christianity and Japan: Christianity was brought to Japan by Francis Xavier in the 1500s in Japan. As with religion around the world, once the people start learning and worshiping it, it has a powerful effect on the government in the region. The Shogun was afraid of the spread of Christianity (along with foreign ideas being introduced into Japan) taking control of the Japanese people and his empire, so he closed the country to foreigners (except a small man-made island off Kyushu) and banned Christianity in the 1630s. In what is now present day Nagasaki, there was a massive crucifixion of around 10000 (maybe more, maybe less, but I don't remember the exact number) of people that were Christians because they wouldn't adapt to the Shogun's request. But, several secret communities existed until the mid-1800s when Japan was opened back up to the west, and after the 1880s, Christianity was officially unbanned. Side note: Contrary to popular historical summaries saying Japan was closed to the world, Japan was only primarily restricted to the WEST. It had decently normal relations with China, Korea and the Ryukyus (would later be part of Okinawa as a whole later). To answer questions: Q. Is it a big holiday in Japan too? A. Mainly it is commercial, almost as commercial as in the US, except the concept of the Christmas Tree isn't practiced much. Also, gift giving is common and it is interesting to note that there's a kind of traditional gift giving period around the end of the year that is supposed to thank people that have helped you out through the year that somehow made the most sense to the Japanese when they imported Christmas. Gift giving between friends/lovers/family is moderately common. Thank You for this detailed answer. You know alot about this, do you live in Japan? I studied abroad for a year in Japan and experienced the winter holidays firsthand. Although, I probably should have said gift giving is more common with friends/lovers than with the family, though families might go out and do something or eat Christmas Cake (which is another commercial tradition [like White Day] that some people do). Cool thx for the answer! biggrin
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Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:46 am
zer0tonin IdiotbyDefault King-Dartz IdiotbyDefault Okay, speaking from someone that actually experienced it first hand.... Christmas isn't really religious by any means over here (unless you are part of the 1% of the population that is Christian). It is second only to Valentine's Day (not so much White Day) for romance, and a LOT of couples go out and do things and date on Christmas Eve/Day. If you aren't dating, it is a good excuse to go out with friends and bask in the nice Christmas atmosphere that is spread all around during this time. Christmas has really been merged with New Years, which has been traditionally the most important holiday around this time of year primarily because Christmas is very close to the start of New Years. I also think that since Christmas is sort of a holiday that can be celebrated with friends/lovers/even family, it fits perfectly with New Years. Background on Christianity and Japan: Christianity was brought to Japan by Francis Xavier in the 1500s in Japan. As with religion around the world, once the people start learning and worshiping it, it has a powerful effect on the government in the region. The Shogun was afraid of the spread of Christianity (along with foreign ideas being introduced into Japan) taking control of the Japanese people and his empire, so he closed the country to foreigners (except a small man-made island off Kyushu) and banned Christianity in the 1630s. In what is now present day Nagasaki, there was a massive crucifixion of around 10000 (maybe more, maybe less, but I don't remember the exact number) of people that were Christians because they wouldn't adapt to the Shogun's request. But, several secret communities existed until the mid-1800s when Japan was opened back up to the west, and after the 1880s, Christianity was officially unbanned. Side note: Contrary to popular historical summaries saying Japan was closed to the world, Japan was only primarily restricted to the WEST. It had decently normal relations with China, Korea and the Ryukyus (would later be part of Okinawa as a whole later). To answer questions: Q. Is it a big holiday in Japan too? A. Mainly it is commercial, almost as commercial as in the US, except the concept of the Christmas Tree isn't practiced much. Also, gift giving is common and it is interesting to note that there's a kind of traditional gift giving period around the end of the year that is supposed to thank people that have helped you out through the year that somehow made the most sense to the Japanese when they imported Christmas. Gift giving between friends/lovers/family is moderately common. Thank You for this detailed answer. You know alot about this, do you live in Japan? I studied abroad for a year in Japan and experienced the winter holidays firsthand. Although, I probably should have said gift giving is more common with friends/lovers than with the family, though families might go out and do something or eat Christmas Cake (which is another commercial tradition [like White Day] that some people do). I agree to everything you wrote. I experienced it first hand as well, since I spent my abroad studies in Japan last winter. And my personal opinion about the japanese christmas decoration: They just overdo it... @_@ I found it terrible. The lighting was terribly hysterical, blinking and noisy to my eyes, so I couldn't find something like "christmas atmosphere". Ok, I'm from germany and here on christmas everything is much calmer and so on. Well, it's commercial to a certain extend in germany as well, but in Japan... They just overdo it, I think. I didn't like it. And I was happy when christmal finally was over. (and usually I just LOVE christmastime...) Oh wow that doesn't sound good.
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